How to change upper shock mounts [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change strut mount on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Hydraulic strut spring compressor
                    
                      Strut spring compressor
                    
                      Jack
                    
                      Coil spring compressor

Buy tools

Please note!

The mount is a damping rubber-metal element that ensures secure fastening of the suspension strut to the body
It can be a one-piece element with a spacer or a bushing to absorb vibrations
Or it can be made with a mount bearing, which enables the suspension strut to rotate
The part can also be of a modular type, consisting of spacers and damper pads
The steps for replacing the rear and front mounts are practically the same

1.

To replace the front mount, remove and disassemble the suspension strut by loosening the upper fastener
2.

Do not unscrew it completely, just loosen it while the car is still on the ground, or jack up the wheel assembly if it is raised

Important!
You may need to remove the wiper arms and cowl to access the upper fasteners
3.

Access the lower fasteners by disconnecting the anti-roll bar link, wires, sensors, and hoses
4.

The suspension strut can be either bolted to the steering knuckle, fitted into the mounting seat on the knuckle, or attached to the suspension arm
5.

Unscrew and remove the fasteners

Be careful!
Now, the strut is only held by the loosened upper fastener
6.

Make sure to compress and secure the spring before you disassemble the strut

AUTODOC recommends:
It would be better to use a special tool for thisThis will minimise the risk of injury, as the spring is under great pressure
7.

Before unscrewing the top rod nut, compress and secure the spring so it does not exert force on the suspension strut mount

Please note!
You may need a special tool to secure the strut rod and unscrew the fastener
8.

Loosen the retaining nut that holds the spring seat, the cup, and the spring itself. As the spring is compressed and secured, the nut and the upper mount are loose
9.

Replace the component and carefully inspect the bump stop, the dust boot, the spring, and the strut itself

Be careful!
Do not carry out any work on the spring while it is compressedOn some cars, the mounts must be installed in a strictly defined position, which is indicated by a mark
10.

Carefully clean the seat of the mount on the body and the lower attachment points
11.

Install the suspension strut and tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer's recommended torque

Please note!
To access the fasteners of the rear strut, you might need to remove the wheel arch liners or interior components
12.

Jack up the suspension components, then clean and unscrew the fasteners

Important!
If it is a modular-type strut mount, all of its components can be accessed immediately when the strut is dismantledIf the mount comes as a separate part, the unit must first be disassembledThe new component may require the installation of the bump stop and dust boot
13.

Assemble the component and tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer's recommended torque
14.

Clean the mounting seats and install the part

AUTODOC experts recommend:
Parts fitted with a bushing should be installed with the vehicle on the ground